7 ways to enjoy cannabis if you don’t want to smoke

Marijuana use has become more socially acceptable. Almost half of adults (48%) say they have at least tried marijuana, in line with the 43% to 49% range recorded since 2015. People find it a lower-calorie choice than beer, which is easy to find in a significant number of states, and there are no hangovers. But for the millions who have esophageal problems or just don’t want to smoke and are new or “new” to using – here are some options!

Infused Food

Forget the cliche brownie, today’s world encompasses an entire menu of delicious treats. Top chocolatiers have made master creations in high-end retailers and amateurs have found success at home. Ever tried pulled pork? Mac & Cheese? Caramel Corn? Foie gras? Low-dose foods can combine a variety of sensual experiences and make for a wonderful journey.

Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydocannabinol (THC) and food and beverage products containing them are growing in popularity thanks to ever-growing consumer and regulatory acceptance. Sales of CBD, now somewhat legal in 46 states, hit $5.3 billion in 2021, up 15% year over year, and is expected to hit $26 billion by 2026!

beverages

The global cannabis beverage market is expected to reach $19,063.58 million by 2028. Big names like Molson-Coors, Pabst, Sam Adams and more are now producing non-alcoholic cannabis-infused beverages available for purchase. There are also delicious infused lemonades and lemonades at the market to tickle your taste buds. Cannabis cocktail culture is already a full-fledged trend in hip West Hollywood, New York and other hotspots.

RELATED: 8 things you need to know about eating marijuana edibles

And for those who want a little caffeine boost with their cannabis, there are infused coffees that you can purchase at a retail store. Or you can easily brew your own at home.

tinctures

Cannabis tinctures have been around for centuries, but fell out of favor in the 1930s following the US ban on marijuana. But the effective method is making a comeback as more Americans find unsmoked marijuana healthier and cleaner.

Tinctures are essentially concentrated marijuana in liquid form. Dosage varies by country, but generally one or two pipettes. If you read a story about a kid using CBD oil to combat epileptic seizures, chances are he or she is being treated with tincture.

Tinctures are discreet and easily fit in a purse or pocket. Add a dropper to a drink or ingest directly.

skin care

Yes, you can bathe, exfoliate, shampoo, shave, and moisturize with marijuana. Don’t fear the skunky marijuana smell; These products are not only infused with cannabis, but also contain natural scents such as lavender, mint and citrus.

Worried Skincare Products Are Making Me High? Most products are made with hemp, marijuana’s non-psychoactive cousin. And even when THC was present in these products (most are not), it is not absorbed by the CB2 receptors on your epidermis. So you get the therapeutic benefit without any euphoria.

RELATED: What is the safest way to consume cannabis?

vape pens

Vape pens are the third most popular category in Canada and the second most popular in the US, capturing 17.1% and 23.6% market share, respectively, according to respected data company Headset. The sleek, unobtrusive, ubiquitous devices have become the standard usage factor for many enthusiasts. The vape pens are easy to carry and conceal when discretion is key. If convenience, cost, and efficiency are important to you, consider a vape pen.

Vape pens, as the name suggests, are a vaporization method, which means that plant material is not burned. The heating element brings the temperature just high enough to create a light vapor. Don’t inhale smoke.

Evaporator

Larger vaporizers are trending for home use. The Volcano has been the industry standard for years and is the device of choice used by Bill Maher, Willie Nelson and other cannabis enthusiasts. The Herbalizer is an egg-shaped contraption that looks like something from the future.

Related: What’s the Safest Way to Use Cannabis?

These devices come at a high price but are worth it in the long run as they require fewer herbs to achieve the desired effect. Also, they are healthier for you than smoking.

concentrates

For the more adventurous, think Wax, Shatter, Oil or Crumble. You’ll hear these terms a lot when you start visiting your local marijuana store.

These are concentrates that typically produce an enhanced and faster high. If you are a beginner, be careful. Concentrates are for those with a higher THC tolerance and/or medical patients who require super-intense dosages.

My advice: leave these excerpts to those who know what they are doing. Find a savvy friend to show you the ropes the first few times. And prepare to sit or lie down.

Please note that synthetic marijuana is NOT an alternative. Please leave that to the amateurs. This weekend, sit back, relax and have an adventure.